This post was originally published on this site
High Jeweler, Adam Neeley is thrilled to announce the founding of Gorgeous Little Things (GLT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching children and preserving the appreciation of minerals, gemstones and contemporary jewelry. In celebration of the designer’s 25th anniversary, and as a nod to his mother’s tireless dedication to teaching, Neeley was inspired to give back to his community, and in particular its underserved youth, by offering educational tools intended to inspire the next generation of gem and jewelry aficionados.
The organization’s debut comes on the heels of a successful opening of Modern Alchemy, the first decorative arts exhibition to be featured at Laguna Art Museum. Neeley and Laguna Art Museum have united to create educational programming through Gorgeous Little Things that will be implemented on-site as well as in local – and eventually national – K-12 school curricula.
Current programming includes, in collaboration with Laguna Art Museum, a sponsored Art Access: Dig for Gems with Adam Neeley at the Oceanview Mine Saturday, June 8th. This trip is suitable for ages 8 and up. For tickets and details visit: www.lagunaartmuseum.com
GLT’s Mission
At Gorgeous Little Things, we envision a world where the wonders of minerals, gemstones, and contemporary jewelry are not only appreciated but celebrated as a vital part of our cultural and scientific heritage.
Our mission is to create impactful educational programs that transcend traditional boundaries, bringing joy and enlightenment to museums, galleries, and facilities dedicated to the preservation and teaching of these precious treasures.
By fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for Earth’s geological marvels and the artistic expressions of contemporary jewelry, we aim to inspire a sense of fascination in visitors of all ages.
Through our collaborative efforts with these institutions, we aspire to create immersive experiences that not only educate but also ignite a lifelong passion for the beauty and significance inherent in minerals, gemstones, and the artistry of contemporary jewelry.
Says Neeley, “My mother was a teacher throughout her life, and instilled in me the value of education. It is in her honor that we created Gorgeous Little Things; I look forward to sharing our mission, and showcasing the magical world of gemstones, minerals and jewelry to our community and beyond.”
Read on for additional programming info:
Educational Programs
- Support for Communities: Museum, gallery and facility exhibitions are curated to serve as immersive learning experiences, inviting visitors into the enchanting realm of Earth’s treasures and the artistry of contemporary jewelry.
- Continuing Education: An educational blog serves as a virtual classroom, where readers can embark on a continuous discovery of gemstone and mineral science, the history of adornment and contemporary jewelry artistry.
- Materials for Learning: Through GLT’s online educational resource, K-12 teachers are empowered with comprehensive lesson plans that seamlessly integrate into classroom curricula, providing both in-classroom knowledge and in-person reinforcement of Common Core requirements using NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards).
GLT partnership with LAM: Modern Alchemy Exhibition
GLT designed, manufactured and donated the display cases to provide LAM with the capability of creating future decorative arts exhibits.
In addition to showcasing Adam as an artist, the exhibition was created in collaboration with curator Tim Adams, to include educational components: “STEAM,” an educational discipline that combines science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics.
STEAM Components of Modern Alchemy Exhibition
- US mining and ethical practices
- Gemstone cutting/lapidary arts
- Step by step: design, execution and finished jewelry
- Gold alloying/fabrication Process
- Classroom curriculum: provided by LAM education coordinator
- After school programs: provided by LAM education coordinator
- School Tours: LAM received a Grant to bring in title one school children into the museum. To date over 30 schools and over 1,700 children have been bussed in to see the exhibition.
About Adam Neeley
For more than 25 years, California-based jewelry designer, gemologist, and goldsmith, Adam Neeley has established a reputation for crafting jewelry of unparalleled artistry and design. Neeley’s innovative spirit and fiery creativity, combined with technical mastery, has garnered numerous major design awards as well as the attention of museums and elite collectors. Visit @Adam.Neeley on Instagram, or www.adamneeley.com to learn more.
About Gorgeous Little Things
Founded in 2023, Gorgeous Little Things’ mission is to create educational programs and bring enjoyment to museums, galleries, and facilities dedicated to teaching and preserving the appreciation of minerals, gemstones and contemporary jewelry. Visit www.gorgeouslittlethings.org to learn more.
Laguna Art Museum exists to engage and enlighten people of all ages through art that embodies and preserves the California experience. Laguna Art Museum presents exhibitions relevant to California art and artists throughout the year and is home to the annual Art & Nature Festival celebrating the museum’s unique relationship to the environment.
For more information, please visit www.lagunaartmuseum.org
